Chicken teriyaki is a dish that dances on your palate, delivering a sweet-savory experience thatβs nothing short of magical. Picture tender chicken glazed in a sticky, luscious sauce, with hints of garlic and ginger wafting through the air, begging you to take a bite. honey garlic chicken skewers This chicken teriyaki recipe is not just food; itβs an invitation to gather around the table and share laughter, stories, and maybe even a little too much rice.
I can still remember the first time I tasted homemade chicken teriyaki. It was during a family gathering where my aunt decided to give her usual potluck dish a twist. As the aroma filled the room, everyone gathered with hungry anticipation. That moment was pure bliss, and now Iβm thrilled to bring that joy to your kitchen! Whether itβs a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe promises to be an impressive centerpiece thatβll leave your guests asking for secondsβand maybe even thirds!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This delicious chicken teriyaki recipe is incredibly easy to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights.
- The flavor profile combines sweetness with savory notes, creating a taste explosion in every bite.
- Visually, itβs stunning with its glossy sauce and vibrant color from fresh veggies.
- Plus, itβs versatile enough to pair with rice, noodles, or even salads!
Ingredients for chicken teriyaki recipe
Hereβs what youβll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 chicken breasts work well here; feel free to adjust based on your appetite.
- Fresh Garlic: Choose firm cloves for maximum flavorβno one likes sad garlic!
For the Sauce:
- Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce helps manage saltiness while still delivering that umami punch.
- Brown Sugar: This adds sweetness and helps create that irresistible glaze.
- Rice Vinegar: A splash of acidity balances the sweetness beautifully.
- Fresh Ginger: Grating fresh ginger amplifies the flavors; trust me, itβs worth it!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make chicken teriyaki recipe
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Prepare Your Chicken
First things firstβslice those chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Not only does this help them cook evenly but it also allows more surface area for that glorious sauce.
Step 2: Whip Up the Sauce
In a bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and freshly grated ginger. Give it a good stir until everything is mixed well and the sugar starts dissolving like your worries after eating great food.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat up a skillet over medium-high heat and add some oil (about one tablespoon). Once hot and shimmering like summer sun on pavement (not too hot though!), toss in your chicken pieces. SautΓ© until lightly brownedβaround five minutes should do the trick.
Step 4: Glaze It!
Pour that beautiful sauce over your sautΓ©ed chicken. Stir it around so every piece gets coated in that sweet goodness. Let it simmer for about five minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and glazes everything like shiny new shoes.
Step 5: Serve It Up
Grab some plates (or just eat straight from the pan if no oneβs looking). Serve your chicken teriyaki over steamed rice or noodles. Donβt forget some steamed veggies on top for that extra pop of color!
Step 6: Enjoy Your Creation
Take a moment to admire your handiwork because you just made an incredible meal! Drizzle any leftover sauce over your serving for an extra burst of flavor.
Transfer to plates and drizzle with sauce for the perfect finishing touch. Now sit back and enjoy every last bite of your delicious homemade chicken teriyaki!
You Must Know
- This amazing chicken teriyaki recipe offers more than just flavor; it makes meal prep a breeze.
- You can easily customize the ingredients based on what you have on hand.
- The vibrant colors and aromas make it visually stunning on any dinner table.
- Perfect for grilling but versatile enough for baking or pan-searing.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating the chicken in your teriyaki sauce, while you chop up veggies. Sear the chicken first for that perfect caramelization, then toss in your vegetables and finish cooking everything together for a deliciously cohesive dish.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out chicken for tofu or shrimp if you want to mix things up! You can also add sesame seeds, green onions, or even some crushed red pepper for a spicy kick. Get creative and make this dish truly yours!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. To reheat, simply microwave until warm or stir-fry quickly in a hot pan, adding a splash of water to revive the sauce.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always allow your chicken teriyaki to marinate for at least 30 minutes; this enhances flavor significantly.
- Use high heat when searing to achieve that beautiful glaze without overcooking.
- Lastly, donβt skip adding fresh veggiesβthey balance flavors and add nutrition!
I remember the first time I made this chicken teriyaki recipe for my friends. Their eyes lit up with every bite, and one even asked if he could take some home! It was such a hit that I ended up sharing the recipe multiple times since then. For more inspiration, check out this Amish Country Casserole recipe.
FAQs :
What ingredients do I need for the chicken teriyaki recipe?
For the perfect chicken teriyaki recipe, you will need boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. Optional ingredients include green onions and sesame seeds for garnish. You can also add vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers to enhance the dishβs flavor and nutritional value. Fresh ingredients will yield the best results, so try to avoid pre-packaged sauces if possible.
How long does it take to cook chicken teriyaki?
Cooking your chicken teriyaki takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. This includes preparation time of around 10 minutes and cooking time of approximately 20 minutes. If youβre using a grill or an air fryer, this time may vary slightly. Ensure that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165Β°F (75Β°C) for safe consumption. Using a meat thermometer can help you achieve this perfectly every time.
Can I make a vegetarian version of the chicken teriyaki recipe?
Yes, you can easily create a vegetarian version of the chicken teriyaki recipe by substituting the chicken with tofu or tempeh. Both options absorb flavors well and provide a satisfying texture. Ensure you marinate the tofu or tempeh in the same teriyaki sauce for optimal taste. Additionally, consider adding seasonal vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers to enrich your dish while keeping it healthy and delicious.
How do I store leftover chicken teriyaki?
To store leftover chicken teriyaki properly, allow it to cool down before placing it in an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage, consider freezing it; just make sure to use freezer-safe containers. When reheating, ensure that itβs heated thoroughly to enjoy its full flavor again. This makes meal prep easy and enjoyable for busy weeknights.
Conclusion for chicken teriyaki recipe :
This chicken teriyaki recipe is a quick and flavorful dish thatβs perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining guests. With simple ingredients like soy sauce and ginger, you can create a delicious meal in under 30 minutes. Feel free to customize your dish by adding vegetables or adjusting the sweetness of the sauce to suit your taste preferences. cream cheese chicken dish By following these steps and tips, youβll enjoy a delightful homemade meal that rivals takeout options every time!
Chicken Teriyaki
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Chicken teriyaki is a savory-sweet dish that delivers an explosion of flavors in every bite. Tender chicken pieces are coated in a luscious, sticky sauce made with fresh garlic and ginger, making it an irresistible choice for any meal. Perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings, this easy recipe pairs beautifully with rice or noodles, ensuring smiles all around the table.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 3β4 breasts)
- 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
Instructions
- Slice the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and better sauce coverage.
- In a bowl, mix soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger until well combined.
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and sautΓ© until lightly browned, about 5 minutes.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken and stir to coat evenly. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Serve over steamed rice or noodles, garnished with optional veggies for color.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: SautΓ©ing
- Cuisine: Japanese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of the dish (approximately 150g)
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
